Cherry Lake is a man‑made reservoir located in the Stanislaus National Forest, Stanislaus County, California, United States. The lake is formed by the Cherry Valley Dam on the Stanislaus River and lies at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet (1,646 m) above sea level.
History and purpose
The Cherry Valley Dam was completed in 1958. The reservoir was created primarily to augment the water supply for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) as part of the Hetch Hetchy Water System. The stored water is used for municipal supply, hydroelectric generation, and flood control.
Physical characteristics
- Capacity: Approximately 273,500 acre‑feet (337 million m³).
- Surface area: About 2,800 acres (11 km²).
- Maximum depth: Roughly 210 feet (64 m).
- Length: Approximately 12 miles (19 km) along the river valley.
Recreational use
Cherry Lake supports a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, making it a popular destination for anglers. Several campgrounds and day‑use facilities are operated by the U.S. Forest Service around the lake’s perimeter.
Ecology
The reservoir and surrounding forest provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and numerous bird species. Aquatic vegetation and shoreline habitats support fish populations and invertebrate communities.
Management
The SFPUC oversees water storage and releases, while the U.S. Forest Service manages recreational facilities and land use within the national forest. Water releases are coordinated to balance municipal supply needs, downstream ecological requirements, and seasonal flood control considerations.
